Orioles Blaze Alexander has peculiar at bat against former team

Baltimore Orioles third baseman, Blaze Alexander , 26, said that playing his former team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, for the first time ever on April 13, was just another MLB game. Alexander, drafted by the Diamondbacks in 2018, was traded to the Orioles on February 5, 2026. Business as usual did not happen during his first at bat against his former team and pitcher Ryne Nelson.

MORE: Reds option slumping Noelvi Marte, recall streaking Triple-A slugger Alexander’s long at bat Alexander worked the count. He got a ball which he pulled to right field. Corbin Carroll misjudged it, but it bounced foul.

The Orioles challenged the play believing that Carroll made contact with the ball in fair territory before it bounced foul. The call on the field was upheld. It did appear Carroll made contact, but the lack of camera coverage in that corner of the field could have been a mitigating factor.

With another chance, Alexander returned to the plate, faced Nelson again, and on 3-2, the home plate umpire declared that catcher Adrian Del Castillo interfered with Alexander, and he took first base. The Diamondbacks were angry about the call and believed there was not sufficient time to react with a challenge. Apr 13, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Blaze Alexander (23) rounds the bases to score on shortstop Gunnar Henderson (not pictured) RBI triple against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.